IP16 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.